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Given the global urgency for transition to a low-carbon economy and sustainable economic development, ONE Bank PLC (OBPLC) has been
concerned to contribute sustainable economy by including Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations in their every
investment decisions and in-house activities. The broad objectives of the bank are to use resources with responsibility, avoiding
waste & giving priority to environment & society. ONE Bank has been conducting banking business in such areas and in such a manner
that helps the overall reduction of carbon emission by its customers as well as from own operations. We care for climate change
mitigation and adaptation, preservation of biodiversity, prevention of pollution, promotion of the circular economy, removal of
inequality, inclusiveness, investment in human capital etc.
For the Banks and FIs, Green and Sustainable Finance are the main instruments in achieving global goals which are outlined in Paris Agreement and the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of United Nations and Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), 2015, 2021 of Bangladesh.
Sustainable finance refers to any form of financial service that includes investment, insurance, banking, accounting, trading, economic and financial
advice integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria into the business or investment decisions for lasting benefits of both clients
and society at large. Sustainable Finance is about Green Banking, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable MSME, CSR that includes Socially Responsible
Finance activities with respect to sustainability. Green Finance is a subset of Sustainable Finance which mostly taking care of environmental impacts.
Sustainable Finance = Green Finance + Sustainable Linked Finance (SLF)
Sustainable Linked Finance = Sustainable Agriculture + Sustainable CMSME + Socially Responsible Finance.
OBPLC’S JOURNEY TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE BANKING
ONE Bank aims to contribute to long-term economic, environmental, and social growth by championing green and sustainable finance. While delivering
services, we actively engage our stakeholders in integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into every decision. We finance
across Green Finance as well as Sustainable Finance products which are declared by Bangladesh Bank. While Financing, we strictly follow ESRM Policy
of ONE Bank which is prepared in line with Bangladesh Bank’s Policy and International best practices. We have ‘ESRM online Tool’ through which we
have screened the transactions. OBPLC has its ‘Sustainable Finance Policy’ and ‘Green Office Guide’ for facilitating financing and In-house green
management. OBPLC has established 27 Dedicated Sustainable Finance Help Desks across the country for enhancing awareness among customers and increase
Sustainable Financing. These help desks serve as key touchpoints, offering training support to clients, such as assessing the value and scope of
green projects. OBPLC recently become the signatory of global organization namely Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) for assessing
and disclosing financed emission.
PRODUCTS/PROJECTS/INITIATIVES OF GREEN & SUSTAINABLE FINANCE
ONE Bank PLC finance clients to Green & Sustainable Finance related Products/Projects/Initiatives as declared by Bangladesh Bank. Following are
the sectors related to Environment Friendly Products/Projects/Initiatives:
| 1. |
Renewable Energy |
| 2. |
Energy & Resource Efficiency |
| 3. |
Alternative Energy |
| 4. |
Liquid Waste Management |
| 5. |
Solid Waste Management |
| 6. |
Circular Economy & Eco-Projects Financing |
| 7. |
Environment Friendly Brick Production |
| 8. |
Green/Environment Friendly Establishments |
| 9. |
Green Agriculture |
| 10. |
Green CMSME |
| 11. |
Green Socially Responsible Financing (SRF) |
| 12. |
Blue Economy Financing |
| 13. |
Information and Communication Technology |
| 14. |
Miscellaneous |
SUSTAINABLE FINANCE UNIT (SFU)
OBPLC established Sustainable Finance Unit (SFU) under Credit Risk Management Division. SFU headed by Head of CRM Division, looks after Green
Banking and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities of the bank. SFU works collaboratively to integrate sustainable finance initiatives
across the bank's operations. The Sustainable Finance Unit is overseen by the Sustainable Finance Committee (SFC), which is responsible for
ensuring effective implementation and management of the bank's sustainable finance strategies. The SFC directly reports to the Risk Management
Committee of the Board, ensuring transparency and alignment with the bank’s overall risk management framework.
SUSTAINABLE FINANCE COMMITTEE (SFC)
The Sustainable Finance Committee (SFC) is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation and continuous improvement of sustainable finance
practices of the bank. The committee plays a pivotal role in formulation of policies, strategies and overseeing the development and execution
of sustainable finance projects, ensuring regulatory compliance, and support the bank’s commitment towards sustainability.
Below is the list of members of the Sustainable Finance Committee:
| SL No. |
Designation |
Position in the committee |
| 1 |
Senior Most DMD |
Chairman |
| 2 |
Head /ln-charge of Business Division / Corporate Asset Marketing |
Member |
| 3 |
Head/ln-Charge of Human Resources Division |
Member |
| 4 |
Head /ln-Charge of CRM Division |
Member |
| 5 |
Head /ln-Charge of Information Technology Division |
Member |
| 6 |
Head / In-Charge of Central Support & Branch Operation Division |
Member |
| 7 |
Head/ln-Charge of Central Loan Administration Department, Dhaka |
Member |
| 8 |
Head /ln-charge of Risk Management Division |
Member |
| 9 |
Head /ln-Charge of International Division |
Member |
| 10 |
Head /ln-Charge of Finance Division |
Member |
| 11 |
Head /ln-Charge of Retail Banking Division |
Member |
| 12 |
Head /ln-Charge of Internal Control and Compliance Division (ICCD) |
Member |
| 13 |
Head /ln-Charge of loan Monitoring & Recovery Unit |
Member |
| 14 |
Head /ln-Charge Cards |
Member |
| 15 |
Focal Point of Sustainable Finance Unit (SFU) |
Member Secretary |
ROLE OF DEDICATED SUSTAINABLE FINANCE HELP DESKS
ONE Bank PLC establishes 27 Dedicated Sustainable Finance Help Desks to cater services across the country. Dedicated Sustainable Finance Help Desk
responsible for Green Finance and Sustainable Finance related advice /Service/ loan processing of the clients at the quickest possible time on priority
basis and coordinate services/support from other departments of the bank. Every Dedicated Help Desks provide training regarding Environmental Friendly
Finance/ Green Finance and Sustainable Finance to at least 3 entrepreneurs /clients annually and also ensure financing to at least one entrepreneur/client
out of these 3 entrepreneurs /clients. While financing, Sustainable Finance Help Desk of Branch will give priority to women entrepreneur, under privileged
people, third gender, physically and mentally disable persons etc.
Dedicated Sustainable Finance Help Desk maintain a Complain Register for keeping records of Green and Sustainable Finance related complains. Help Desk
should track received complain and solve in the least possible time on priority basis.
List of Dedicated Sustainable Help Desks of OBPLC:
| Division |
District |
Branch for Dedicated Sustainable Finance Help Desk |
| Dhaka |
Dhaka |
Principal, Gulshan, Banani, Uttara Branch |
| Narayangonj |
Narayangonj Branch |
| Gazipur |
Mawna Branch |
| Narsingdi |
Madhabdi Branch |
| Chattogram |
Chattogram |
Agrabad, Khatungonj, Halishahar Branch |
| Cox’s Bazar |
Cox’s Bazar Branch |
| Rangamati |
Rangamati Branch |
| Noakhali |
Maijdee Court Branch |
| Laksmipur |
Chandragonj Branch |
| Feni |
Dagon Bhuiyan Branch |
| Cumilla |
Cumilla Branch |
| Brahmonbaria |
Brahmonbaria Branch |
| Sylhet |
Sylhet |
Sylhet Branch |
| Moulvibazar |
Sherpur Branch |
| Khulna |
Khulna |
Khulna Branch |
| Jashore |
Jashore Branch |
| Kushtia |
Kushtia Branch |
| Satkhira |
Satkhira Branch |
| Rangpur |
Rangpur |
SatRangpurkhira Branch |
| Rajshahi |
Rajshahi |
Rajshahi Branch |
| Bogura |
Bogura Branch |
| Sirajgonj |
Sirajgonj Branch |
GHG EMISSION CALCULATION & DISCLOSURE:
ONE Bank PLC became the signatory of the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) for calculating and disclosing its greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions across Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 by using the PCAF methodology. This commitment aligns with our broader sustainability goals and
emphasizes transparency in our operations. Our GHG emission data will be validated by PCAF for ensuring our practices align with international
reporting standards.
ACTIVITIES & ACHIEVEMENT:
In 2022, ONE Bank PLC recognized as one of the best banks in South Asia in the climate commitment category under Climate Financing Leadership of
International Finance Corporation (IFC).
OBPLC has financed a Grid Tied Solar Park (IPP) of 28 MWp to supply contracted electricity of 20 MWAC to BPDB on Build-Own-Operate (BOO) basis for a
period of 20 years. This plant is located at Alikhali, South Nhila, Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar beside Arakan Road, around 0.5 km from the bank of Naf River.
GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM
Any individual, organization or community affected or potentially affected by the environmental and social impacts of a project financed by ONE Bank
PLC may submit their concerns to the following box or e-mail to the following email address as part of ONE Bank’s Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM):
Head of Sustainable Finance Unit
ONE Bank PLC
Corporate Head Quarter
46,Kawranbazar C/A, Dhaka-1205
Email: hocrm@onebank.com.bd
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